More of what went down with Mike Munchak

In meetings with president/CEO Tommy Smith and general manager Ruston Webster last week, the coach was informed he could receive a contract extension — of up to two years, I’m told — if he made changes on his coaching staff.

Munchak wouldn’t do it, and the two sides parted on Saturday.

On Sunday, the former Titans coach was already lined up for an interview at his alma mater, Penn State, according to ESPN.

Munchak was 22-26 in three seasons. Many believed he was going to be fired immediately after the season, something that likely would have occurred had the Titans not defeated the Texans in the season finale to finish 7-9, one more win than they had in 2012.

Instead, conversations during the week led down a different road. The Titans offered Munchak an opportunity to come back if he met certain conditions. Smith, for one, expected Munchak to take him up on the offer, especially after informing him he was agreeable to offer an extension.

Munchak ultimately was against the dramatic staff changes he was informed needed to be made. They included firing offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. Offensive line coach Bruce Matthews and linebackers coach Chet Parlavecchio, two of Munchak’s best friends, would also have to go. Indications are Munchak was told he’d have to part ways with at least a half-dozen assistants.

Munchak declined to do so, and the two sides agreed to end his 31-year run with the franchise.

Munchak’s actions speak to his loyalty. He was unwilling to sacrifice his buddies to keep his job. He said after the season that he had faith in Loggains, and axing his friends wasn’t something he wanted to do either.

His decision maybe wasn’t in the best interest of some others on the staff, however. Veteran coaches such as Sylvester Croom (running backs) and Shawn Jefferson (receivers), for instance, joined Munchak’s staff last offseason and had remaining years on their contracts. Now they’re in limbo.

While there’s a chance some current Titans assistants could be retained by the next head coach, it’s no guarantee. Croom’s chances are probably better because of his ties to Webster. Jefferson, who’s a really good receivers coach, is in limbo, however.

It remains to be seen if Munchak gets serious consideration for the Penn State job. I don’t think he necessarily ditched the Titans for the chance to return to his alma mater.

Two things are clear, however:

–He wasn’t going to stay with the Titans unless he could do things his way. And even with a promise of more time to fix a team in need of repairs, he was unwilling to do so under someone else’s terms.